Srinagar, Apr 16: Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday questioned the Centre’s decision to move forward with the women’s reservation legislation without first undertaking a fresh population census, caste census, and delimitation exercise, saying such an important policy measure should rest on updated data and broader consultation.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Baramulla, Mufti said she found it difficult to understand the urgency behind advancing the legislation at this stage when key exercises that shape representative policymaking have not yet been completed. She said that instead of rushing the matter, the government could have waited and held detailed discussions after the elections in states such as West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
The former Chief Minister said decisions of such significance should be based on fresh demographic realities expected to emerge from the next census cycle in 2026-27 rather than on the 2011 Census figures. She maintained that population patterns have undergone considerable changes over the years and that any major legislative step taken without updated statistics could lead to an incomplete or flawed framework.
On the issue of women’s representation, Mufti said she has always supported greater participation of women in legislative institutions. She recalled that during the tenure of her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the PDP had introduced reservation for women at the local body level. However, she stressed that while the objective of enhancing women’s representation is important, the process adopted for such a move must be transparent, timely, and based on proper groundwork.
Mufti also alleged that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has worsened since 2019, when the region’s special constitutional status was revoked. She claimed that people, particularly in Kashmir, do not feel free to speak openly and that journalists too are functioning under difficult circumstances. She said her party wants to reconnect directly with the people, listen to their concerns, and provide them a platform where they can speak without fear.
Describing a sense of distress among the public, the PDP chief said addressing this growing feeling of anxiety and alienation was an urgent priority. She said that while issues such as poverty, education, and infrastructure remain important, there is also a pressing need to respond to what she described as a wider atmosphere of public suffocation.
She further raised concerns over policing measures, alleging that some individuals, including those who had earlier been granted amnesty, continue to be summoned by the authorities. According to her, on occasions such as Republic Day, Independence Day, or visits by dignitaries, some people are detained as a precautionary step. She also criticised the use of laws such as the Public Safety Act and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, alleging that these were being used to curb dissent.
Commenting on foreign policy, Mufti said India’s engagement with Israel under the present government had, in her view, affected the country’s international standing. She alleged that the present government had committed serious mistakes in the conduct of foreign policy.
Overall, Mufti maintained that while women’s representation in Parliament is an important democratic goal, the government should have first completed the census, caste census, and delimitation process before moving ahead with the reservation framework.